Located about two hours from the U.S. Capital of Washington, D.C., Baltimore is a burgeoning city that offers many great things like D.C. Baltimore is one of my favorite border state cities (the city displays both Southern charm and some Yankee sentiments—the pace of life isn’t as fast as New York City, but faster than South Carolina). The Inner Harbor is a great walking area with the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay is welcoming as well as the shopkeepers that greet walkers. There are so many great restaurants in that area and different events on summer evenings.
Baltimore has a lot more to offer than just the Inner Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay, however. Into Civil War history? Baltimore has a Civil War museum, a Civil War trail, and other museums that mention Baltimore’s complicated history in the Civil War. Into sports? The Orioles and Ravens bring a lot of energy into the city. Everyone is a fan on game day. Into the arts? Baltimore has a great arts scene. If you find yourself visiting Baltimore, here are the best things to do while you’re in the city.
3The National Museum of Dentistry
The National Museum of Dentistry is operated by the University of Maryland’s School of Dentistry and is an amazing center where visitors of all ages can learn about the interesting history of dentistry. Visitors can also learn about the importance of a healthy smile, and oral health. One can sing along to retro toothpaste commercials, see the array of dental artifacts (40,000 objects are present!), and play different games to inspire healthy choices regarding oral health.
The National Museum of Dentistry opened in 1996 and was given Congressional designation as the official dentistry museum in the United States. I discovered the National Museum Dentistry on a whim. I was planning a trip to Baltimore that was going to last for three days and wanted to explore new places. When I searched on Google, this was low on the list of places to visit on Trip Adviser. I am not one to follow trends; I decided I would explore the National Museum of Dentistry and I’m glad I did!
I had so much fun exploring. I loved listening to and watching old toothpaste commercials on the tooth jukebox. I will admit, I did sing along with some of the commercials (Ipana’s commercial from the 1950s was too catchy). I’m usually not a fan of going to the dentist; then again who is, but I learned a lot about the history of dentistry that was fascinating. I also liked studying the tools that were used during the Colonial and Victorian periods. Even the electric toothpaste plushie from the 1980s was funny to see. I even saw George Washington’s ivory dentures for the first time as well.
I love the Baltimore Aquarium, but haven’t seen any of the other sites. They will be on my list the next time I get to Maryland. An excellent and helpful article.
Baltimore is one of my favorites – my dad’s too. I’ve been going ever since I was a little girl. I’m thinking in mid April of visiting. Maybe after I come back from Toronto. :)